Metabolic diseases and fructan: a risk factor for horses?
Metabolic diseases in horses are on the rise. More and more animals are suffering from insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s disease (PPID). In addition to genetic factors, obesity and a high-carbohydrate diet play a major role in the development of these diseases. Fructan in particular, a complex sugar found in pasture grass and some types of hay, is increasingly becoming the focus of research. But what role does fructan actually play in metabolic diseases?
Table of contents
What is fructan and why can it be problematic?
Fructan serves as an energy reserve for plants and is stored particularly in the stems and leaf sheaths of grasses. Horses find it difficult to break down and absorb fructan in the small intestine. However, if fructan reaches the large intestine undigested, it is fermented by bacteria, which can lead to serious problems in horses with metabolic disorders.
Metabolic diseases and fructan: a vicious circle?
Horses with insulin resistance, EMS or Cushing’s disease (PPID) can no longer utilize fructan effectively. This leads to rapid fermentation in the large intestine, which lowers the pH value and unbalances the intestinal flora. This can release toxins, known as endotoxins, which trigger inflammatory reactions in the body and further exacerbate insulin resistance.
Uncontrolled fructan consumption can therefore lead to laminitis and other health problems.
Fructan management in horses with metabolic diseases
For horses with metabolic disorders, it is crucial to monitor fructan intake. Proper pasture managementplays a key role in this. The Happie Horse app offers you valuable support by displaying the fructan content in the grass based on your location and the current weather conditions. This allows you to adjust your horse’s grazing times and minimize the risk of laminitis.
The Fructan Risk Management feature in the Happie Horse app: your tool for optimal pasture management
The Fructan Risk Management feature in the Happie Horse app helps you to assess your horse’s risk of laminitis on a daily basis. It takes weather data, temperatures and the location into account to determine the fructan content in the grass. This allows you to optimally adjust your horse’s grazing times and reduce fructan levels.
How Does Fructan Risk Management Work?
- Input your horse’s data into the Happie Horse App, select the type of grass, and specify the grazing times.
- The app calculates the fructan content based on weather data and sends you a push notification if the laminitis risk increases.
The app provides the following alerts:
- Green: The fructan content is low, low risk.
- Yellow: Moderate risk, increased caution.
- Red: High fructan content, grazing should be restricted.
If the Fructan Risk Management feature is red, you can use the app to restrict grazing and consider alternative feed sources to protect your horse.
Daily grazing time
Note and observe your horse's daily grazing time, and display the past grazing time in a table.
Fructan risk
Check the daily fructan risk at your horse's location and keep an eye on your horse's health. See current fructan risk factors.
Get push notifications
Receive notifications about specific fructan risks based on your selection
Location
You can use the location function to display your current location and the weather, and set different locations for different horses.
Weather forecast
Monitor the weather at your horse 's current location. Choose between a 12-hour and a 4-day forecast.
Past grazing times
Get an overview of past grazing times and fructan risks. Perfect for the grazing or grazing period.
Additional tools in the Happie Horse app
Alongside Fructan Risk Management, the Happie Horse App offers additional helpful features:
- Feeding protocol: Keep track of the feeding and adapt it to the fructan content of the feed.
- Health data: Track important health parameters such as your horse’s pulse and temperature.
- Calendar function: Schedule important vet and farrier appointments to ensure your horse’s health status.
Conclusion: Prevent metabolic diseases with the Happie Horse app
Metabolic diseases and fructan are closely linked and can have a major impact on your horse’s health. To protect your horse, it is important to ensure a low-fructan diet and adapt pasture management. The Happie Horse app helps you to keep an eye on the fructan content in the grass and manage grazing times individually – for the long-term health of your horse.